Is there more to this Hendrick Motorsports dominance than what we’re seeing on Sundays?
Every now and then, Mr. Hunch likes to knock on the door and weigh in — figuratively speaking, of course. Following this past week’s gossip sessions down at his favorite watering hole, he’s smelling change in the air. He’s heard the talk about Jeff Gordon eventually taking on a bigger role at his old team, and that talk has heated up with Fox’s portion of the schedule coming to an end. A big season for Hendrick is in the works … the all-time wins record for an owner is accomplished … a clean cut to the NextGen car is coming in 2022. Hmmm. Is this Rick Hendrick’s swan song? And then Mr. Hunch left to run errands.
Knee-jerk review of the SRX debut?
The Superstar Racing Experience — the Tony Stewart/Ray Evernham baby — opened its six-week run this past Saturday at Stafford Motor Speedway and hometown racer Doug Coby stole the win from all the big names. Saving a starting spot for a local hot-rodder is designed to be part of the series’ charm, though I think most casual fans tuned in to see a familiar face hoist the checkers. Overall, it wasn’t a slam-bang affair and frankly that’s OK, but as the drivers get more comfortable with the cars, it should get more physical. And the next one is on dirt, at Knoxville, and that should definitely be worth a look.
— Ken Willis, ken.willis@news-jrnl.com